ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4175-6598

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Raymond A. Digiuseppe

Second Advisor

Wilson H. McDermut

Third Advisor

Ernest V. Hodges

Abstract

Divorce is becoming a new normal, yet individuals may question their self-worth. Existing research reveals that divorce and separation are associated with negative psychological and physical consequences. This study investigated the relationship between self-constructs (self-forgiveness, self-acceptance/self-condemnation, self-compassion) and Psychological well-being among divorced people. Each of these aspects of the self is thought to lead to disturbance. However, the relationship of these concepts to each other, which has a unique influence on psychopathology and well-being, was tested. The current study sampled 270 adults from social media/online and prolific platforms, who completed scales measuring each of the self-constructs and depression, anger at self, and well-being. The results mainly indicated weak and moderate correlational relationships between self-acceptance, self-compassion, self-forgiveness and depression, anger at self, and well-being. Results also showed that in hierarchical regression, self-compassion accounted for the unique variance in predicting depression, anger at self, and well-being. At the same time, self-forgiveness was inconsistent in its association with depression, anger at self, and well-being. The interplay of the self-constructs leads to a strong sense of self, evidenced by decreased psychopathology and increased well-being. These findings should inform future therapeutic treatment plans and interventions, especially among divorced people.

Keywords: self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, self-compassion, divorce, well-being

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